Erica Mena

“Once you open my book, you’ll see it’s much more,” informs in-demand beauty Erica Mena. XXL definitely co-signs that, but simply perusing the Boricuan/Dominican Chiquita split’s edible surface makes it easy to misconstrue her as just for show. She’s candy-coated visuals for artists in almost every genre of urban music from Houston to Nina Sky to the Young Gunz, but has blasted off in this year’s fourth quarter with features in Fab’s “Breathe” and Mobb Deep and Lil Jon’s “Real Gangstaz.” Still, like her favorite group, Erica doesn’t want y’all to get it twisted. “People tend to think ‘She’s just a very pretty face.’ But the sexiest thing about me is I keeps it real,” begins the Yankee Stadium neighbor from inside a Starbucks in midtown Manhattan. “I don’t like to beat around the bush or make things seem like they are what they aren’t.”

“I like to add variety to what I do, so basically [my career’s] like a big pot of rice and beans,” she analogizes between sexy sips of chai latte. “You add the sofrito, add the sazòn, you add the adobo and the final product gets demolished. That’s how I want my career: very tasteful. I want people to ask for seconds.

Cutie’s aforementioned drive is hereditary, though. “My mother,” begins the Austarr, Inc. All-Star. “All her life, she’s struggled to support her three girls and take us out of the Bronx. And though she finally got her new house, just seeing my mother every day working hard—sometimes not coming home because she was working so much—helped me. If it wasn’t for her ambition and drive, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. How would I know what working hard is if I didn’t learn from the best?”

With Erica’s Most-Likely-To-Succeed energy and cheerleader package you’d probably automatically pair her with some pretty-boy jock, but according to the spicy dish, “it’s not even about the physical.” “I’ll go to the club and watch a guy all night and peep the little things, like the way he goes to the bar, how he mingles with his friends,” she says. “It’s rare, but I’ll step to a dude in a minute. From there, you know I gotta put it on him to let him know where it’s at and then from there you work and see where it goes.” And Erica’s never been one to shy away from hard work.
Erica Mena was born on Novemeber 8, 1987 and raised in the Bronx, NY. Being both Putero Rican and Dominican decent, Erica has a feisty personality and enough talent to take over the industry. Growing up, Erica was always in a Performing arts class or activities. Erica’s ambition and drive at a young age didnt go unseen. Erica Mena was quickly discovered by a NY agent who published her in his agency’s magazine.

Erica began working with catalog and print advertising at age fourteen. Shortly after, an MTV scout discovered her and whe went on to win a Jennifer Lopez look alike contest. Erica Mena later starred in the hit television show “Kourtney and Khloe take Miami” which premiered on E!. She also starred “LOVE & HIP HOP 2” ON VH1 NOV 14, 2011. Erica Mena has appeared in many major music videos. Most recently she was featured in “I’m So Paid” the new chart topper by Akon featuring Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne.
You can catch her being seduced by Chris Brown in “YO (Excuse Me Miss)”, riding shotgun to Fabolous in “Breathe” and shopping with Bobby Valentino in “Tell Me.” She can be seen alongside Fat Joe in “Lean Back” and in David Banner’s “Touching.” Erica’s impressive body of work doesn’t stop there, in fact she’s just getting started.

Erica Mena has graced the pages of XXL Magazine, KING Magazine, The Source, Hype Hair and Don Diva to name a few. She was the inspiration for SHOW Magazine’s concpet and frist ever cover girl. That led to many more glossy photos of her popping up on newsstands everywhere. Smooth girl featured her in the Overnight Celebrity section. Erica’s hard work and persistence has secured her several print campaigns such as Roca Wear, Tommy Hilfiger as well as being a spokes model for Bella Honey and popperazzi. Erica has created a solid fan base and following over the years, everyone is anxiously waiting to see what comes next for the Latin diva. A devoted Mother, Model,Actress, Singer, Tv personality, Avid traveler and Aspiring designer Erica Mena never ceases to amaze.